A man has appeared in court in connection with the murder last month of Dublin man Ciarán Noonan.
Mark Allen (33), who is originally from Coolock, in Dublin, but had recently resided at an apartment in Bailis Village, Johnstown, Navan, Co. Meath, was brought before Dublin District Court.
Garda Sergeant Dave Gallagher told Judge Victor Blake that Mr Allen made “no reply” after caution when he was charged with false imprisonment of Mr Noonan, at Russell Ave, on October 20th.
Mr Allen, an unemployed father-of-one, who was wearing blue jeans and a light blue jacket, remained silent during the proceedings and was not required to speak.
Gda Sgt Gallagher objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence and concerns that Mr Allen might not turn up for his trial.
He said it was “anticipated a further more serious charge would be brought” and the existing charge, on conviction, carries a possible life sentence.
He told Judge Blake that Mr Noonan was abducted on October 20 and “his body was later found dumped".
A post-mortem revealed Mr Noonan (29) had been murdered, and his DNA was found in a car registered in the name of the accused.
Gda Sgt Gallagher said he believed the accused had “sufficient funds to flee this jurisdiction and evade jurisdiction”.
There had been 570 lines of inquiry and the investigation involved substantial CCTV evidence, witness statements and telephone analysis.
Gda Sgt Gallagher agreed with defence solicitor Jenny McGeever that Mr Allen had ties to this jurisdiction — his daughter and also his current partner, who was present for the hearing.
He also agreed that the defendant “fully contests this matter”.
Ms McGeever told Judge Blake that Mr Allen would surrender his passport and comply with bail conditions. She said that he did not intend to abandon his seven-year-old daughter whom he sees regularly, and he wants to fight this case.
She also asked the court to note that Mr Allen would be able to live with his father if bail were granted.
David Allen (55), the defendant’s father, also gave evidence confirming that his son could live with him.
When questioned by Gda Sgt Gallagher he said he did not know where his son had been for the past month.
Judge Blake refused bail and remanded Mr Allen in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on November 30. He also noted that directions from the DPP are being sought.
The issue as to whether legal aid would be granted was deferred.